The American duo, competing in their 14th FIVB World Tour beach volleyball tournament, lost the opening set before wrapping up a 16-21, 21-13, 15-10 success in 38 minutes.

The win for Hester and Ledoux saw them book their spot in the main draw of the event along with fellow Americans Summer Ross and Lane Carico and Kim Dicello and Kendra Vanzwieten as both pairs were given byes to the next round.

Germany also boasts two qualifiers as the teams of Kim Behrens and Anni Schumacher and Anika Krebs and Anna Behlen are safely through.

“Irene and I have played together on the beach for three years and we continue to pursue our dreams and goals on the FIVB World Tour,” Ledoux said.

“We are so excited to advance to the main draw.

“It’s really tough to travel this much for a one-and-done situation so we are going to make the most of it. 

“We play some on the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour and we have two wins in NORCECA tournaments but all the best teams in the world are on the FIVB World Tour.”

In the men’s competition, there was more success for the host nation as Taylor and Trevor Crabb sealed their progression with a 21-12, 21-18 triumph against Szymon Tralka and Marcin Jagoda of Poland.

They will be one of six American teams vying for the title in Cincinnati, with the US field headed by Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena.

The sides participating in the competition are battling it out for Rio 2016 ranking points as well as the $11,000 (£7,600/€9,700) on offer to the victors.

“It depends on how well we’re playing against these other teams,” Trevor Crabb said.

“We feel we can beat anybody pretty much right now.

“The plan is to stick together for 2020 and do as well we can.”

The main draw, which comprises eight group stage pools, gets underway tomorrow.